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Silent Night, Bloody Night - 1974

Directed by Theodore Gershuny - MPAA Rating: Restricted

a film review by DAWRATING: 3/4

In the winter of 1950, days before Christmas, the illusive Mr.
Wilfred Butler burns to death outside of his house.After years of the city trying to buy the
massive property, Butler's grandson
Jeffrey finally decides to sell the place.A lawyer comes down to seal the deal, but he notices that the mayor and
other prominent towns people are acting very strange.Even though the town’s people object, the
lawyer and his wife want to stay in the old house instead of renting a
motel.Soon the lights are low and there
is passion in the air.Their romantic
night is suddenly disrupted by an AX TO THE CROTCH!

It is made very clear that there is something
strange going on at the old Butler
house.When Jeffery shows up at the
house of the mayor's daughter (Diane), it is soon made clear that either he is
connected to the murders or their is a maniac on the lose.When they find out that a mental patient has
escaped from a local asylum, he might just be the answer they are looking for.After some strange and eerie phone calls, Diane
finds that appearances can be deceiving and that people's histories can come
back to haunt them!

This is a great film which is often overlooked by the casual
viewer.It has an older feel to it but a
solid story, good amount of gore, and a great twist at the end.The atmosphere of the film is creepy, and the
look of the film stock adds a wonderful little touch of grime, which improves
the viewing experience.

The title is obviously a nod to the Christmas song
"Silent Night" and the version of the song that is used in this film
is very haunting. Sometimes it is in the
background, and other times the characters are humming or singing the
tune. This reviewer would put this in
with other Christmas slashers, such as Black Christmas and Don't Open 'Till
Christmas. The main difference being
that the Christmas holiday is very downplayed in this film.